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Brilliant and Much Needed Piece (Reply to this comment)
by DAnneC
As an aging daughter of elderly parents, I thank you for this article. It won't surprise you to know that most of it strikes directly home in terms of dealing with the impact of time on the mind and body. I've tried to follow many of the suggestions you give for dealing with that impact, but you've provided new ideas that I hope will help as I move forward.
Warmest Regards,
DAnneC
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Jul 11 '01
5:20 am PDT
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You've Renewed My Positive Attitude (Reply to this comment)
by Hard_To_Please
Kristin-
What an incredible 'upper' of an editorial! You have reminded me of the proper perspective on growing old and have adjusted my attitude towards those who have already reached that stage. You seem perfectly matched for your job and I'm sure you have made a huge difference in many lives!...Mark
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Jun 06 '01
5:02 pm PDT
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Beautiful (Reply to this comment)
by auntnono
Beautiful words from a beautiful soul. Thank you for reminding us of all our elders still have to give.
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Jun 04 '01
6:43 am PDT
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I enjoyed reading this review (Reply to this comment)
by msmorvay
This review was so perceptive and true. The people you care for are lucky to have someone that understands that after all they are people, and deserve respect for being who they are. A wonderful article. Thank you.
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May 24 '01
5:33 am PDT
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Right on target ... (Reply to this comment)
by Urbanist
Beautiful review.
I remember the last conversation with my grandmother in about 1984, when she was going on about how proud she was of our current president, Franklin Roosevelt. Within that framework, her memories were consistent, historically accurate, and full of detail that nobody else could have had. Ask her about the Coolidge-Harding era, and her memories were even more vivid. The oldest memories last longest, which is why seniors, even those with Alzheimers, are often crucial sources of oral history, especially if you care about your family's past.
I would have read a much longer piece in this vein. One section I'd love to have seen would be "Elders have sexuality." It's so important not to condescend when a widower places a personal ad at age 75, or when an elderly couple make references to their sex life, or when new couplings form at whatever age.
Finally, from years dealing with senior transportation issues as part of my business (public transport planning in general), I've become very critical of the whole nursing home and eldercare industry. While many in this field mean well, it has become all too easy to "store" our parents in the care of strangers, when what they often need, most of all, is the company of their own families. My mother is under 60, but if, someday, she ever needs to move in with me, she will be welcome, as an adult.
Thanks for the provocative review.
Cheers
Urb
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May 22 '01
1:56 pm PDT
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You do the same thing (Reply to this comment)
by tekki
as I do, hurray for us :)
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May 20 '01
7:23 pm PDT
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Thank you all. (Reply to this comment)
by wovengold
As if I weren't already so completely moved by the other entries in this write-off... Now I really am overwhelmed and teary-eyed. I am honored that you have taken the time to read this, and so touched that you found it of value. Thank you all. Kristin
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May 20 '01
5:28 pm PDT
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Great review... (Reply to this comment)
by kamel622
..and you sound like a wonderful caregiver too! I know that it can be a tough job at times...but the elderly have so much to teach us...if only we will listen.
Keep up the great work...and the great writing too...kath
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May 20 '01
3:47 pm PDT
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WOW Kristin! (Reply to this comment)
by jro26
No wonder I haven't heard from you in a while! You have been perfecting this wonderful piece. So glad you got this done! I enjoyed it thoroughly!!!
You are one of the most caring and giving people, and I know firsthand :O)
Jillian
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May 20 '01
9:47 am PDT
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Thank you! (Reply to this comment)
by Aruzenchin
I just read a review of the book Cocoon by some sniveling twit that managed to infuriate me due to its superficiality and the way in which aging is dealt with, as if it were something we should fight, escape at all costs... And then I read your fine article.
Thanks for your help. Aging, like poverty, is not an illness or a crime, but in our fearful society we criminalize, hide or deny all things that make us human and make us aware of our fragility and our true human condition. And when exposed to it, we don't see the humanity, bright as it is, flowering from those old frames as from the poor lives of beggars, but only the surface, only the frame, the poverty...
Your eyes are fine things and I thank you for letting me see through them.
Cheers!
Aruzenchin
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May 20 '01
9:21 am PDT
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What a wonderful review! (Reply to this comment)
by hadassahchana
Such wise words, and so much kindness is apparent in your writing. I loved this, reading it really made my day!
Regards,
Cindy
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May 20 '01
8:38 am PDT
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Words like these are never late . . . (Reply to this comment)
by ed_grover
the important and valuable work you do to help the aged and infirm is appreciated. The insights you give us about aging are a wonderful gift for everyone.
Thanks for participating. This was beautifully written.
Ed
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May 20 '01
6:24 am PDT
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Thank you (Reply to this comment)
by fjbpab
My daughter is my caregiver and she helps me do for myself. You sure hit the nail on the head with this one. I wish the world could read it. I am one of the lucky ones. On the scale of 1 to 10 this is 100.
fjbpab
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May 20 '01
5:44 am PDT
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Beautiful... (Reply to this comment)
by solleks
...and so, so true.
My grandmother was in a nursing home for a few months before she died. I remember visiting her there and seeing an older gentleman approach the nurse's station and ask for a job. "I want something to do, I need some work to do," he said. And the nurse, scarcely looking up, responded, "There's nothing for you to do, go back to your room."
I'll never forget the look in the old man's eyes as he turned away. Spirit murder indeed!
You are right that it takes some time and creativity to allow people to live the best quality life possible...but you are also right that it is well worth the effort.
Again, great work. Wish I could rate this higher than "Very Helpful."
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May 20 '01
5:14 am PDT
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Inspirational (Reply to this comment)
by kordahl
Thank you very much for sharing your insights.
-Clay Kordahl
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May 20 '01
4:24 am PDT
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Perceptive and thought-provoking... (Reply to this comment)
by NFP
...and I especially liked: "I had pitied him for the slowness of his gait, for the infirmity of his body, when I should have been cheered by the fact that he had been out in the world shopping, getting some exercise and enjoying a beautiful day", followed by your description of the man smiling.
Good points throughout, Kristen. Well done.
nick
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May 20 '01
2:33 am PDT
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Re: Thanks! (Reply to this comment)
by wovengold
Well, it's only 12:14 Alaska time, and you've certainly made my day! Thank you so much for reading this long, long piece (that I had great trouble not continuing ad infinitum), and thanks for the compliment! Kristin
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May 20 '01
1:20 am PDT
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Thanks! (Reply to this comment)
by gerper
What a wonderful editorial! Very well written and insightful. Although it is only 1 am, you have made my day (and quite possibly, my week). Thank you for writing such a positive piece.
gerper
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May 20 '01
1:14 am PDT
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